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A date has been set for a public inquiry into a proposal to build a controversial 17-storey tower block in Purley.

More than 9,000 people have signed a petition, which calls for the "skyscraper" not to be built.

Protesters say the height of the building would be completely out of character for the area.

The building would be on derelict land to the west of Purley Cross. Along with the tower block there would be other buildings of between three and eight storeys, and together they would house 220 flats.

An artist's impression of the tower block

Planning permission was granted by Croydon Council's planning committee but the decision has been “called in” for further scrutiny.

The land where the tower block would be, at the junction of Russell Hill Road, Brighton Road and Banstead Road, is known as the “island site” and is owned by Purley Baptist Church.

It has been derelict since 2010 and the church has been attempting to redevelop it since 1999.

The public inquiry into whether the project can proceed will take place from January 9 to January 19 at Purley Baptist Church, from 10am each day.

The development would create 220 flats

Croydon South MP Chris Philp has been leading the protests against the proposal.

He said: “Five or seven floors is appropriate, but 17 is ridiculous.

“The main point is that Labour should have never given this consent in the first place - 9,000people have objected.”

Seven local residents' associations have come together to oppose the plan as well.

These are Sanderstead, Riddlesdown, Coulsdon East, Coulsdon West, Old Coulsdon, Hartley and District, and Kenley and District.